Looking for big living at a small cost? La Junta is perfect for young pros with affordable housing. Cortez and Leadville offer stunning mountain views, peaceful vibes, and affordable living for families and retirees in one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado!
Cortez is 7.4% cheaper than the average US city, while Leadville offers a historic retreat without the high prices. Whether you’re building a career, raising kids, or enjoying your golden years, these cities make living affordable and enjoyable!
What Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado?
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lamar | $175,085 | $1,100 | 28.8% ⬇️ | $48,422 | 7,525 |
| 2. Pueblo | $291,787 | $1,250 | 9.7% ⬇️ | $52,794 | 111,077 |
| 3. Cañon City | $333,786 | $1,200 | 9% ⬇️ | $54,308 | 17,241 |
| 4. Grand Junction | $402,274 | $1,700 | 0.9% ⬇️ | $62,993 | 69,412 |
| 5. Fort Collin | $450,263 | $1,755 | 0.9% ⬇️ | $71,550 | 13,816 |
| 6. Brush | $305,185 | $975 | 12.4% ⬇️ | $64,475 | 5,268 |
| 7. La Junta | $162,619 | $1,000 | 27.8% ⬇️ | $50,799 | 7,033 |
| 8. Cortez | $322,805 | $1,500 | 7.4% ⬇️ | $81,898 | 9,033 |
| 9. Leadville | $472,392 | $2,000 | 5.3% ⬇️ | $65,525 | 2,628 |
| 10. Fountain | $396,642 | $2,032 | 13% ⬇️ | $80,311 | 28,489 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in Colorado into 3 categories: for single families, for young professionals, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the Colorado real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
3 Cheapest Places to Live In Colorado for Families 🧑🏻🧑🏿🧒🏽
1. Lamar
- Median House Rent: $1,950
- Median Home Value: $169,855
- Cost of Living: 28.8% cheaper than the national average.
Looking for an affordable home in a small-town paradise? Lamar is your place! The city’s housing prices are nearly 65.8% lower than the national average. Lamar University brings top-notch education to the area, perfect for families who want to set their kids up for success.
With a friendly community and grocery costs 2.5% lower than the national average, Lamar gives you more bang for your buck. Plus, Lamar’s safe neighborhoods and family-friendly parks create the ideal environment to raise kids. You won’t miss the big-city chaos!
» Lamar Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in cheapest city in Colorado to live!
2. Pueblo
- Median House Rent: $1,300
- Median Home Value: $283,164
- Cost of Living: 9.7% cheaper than the national average.
Pueblo keeps life affordable with big-city perks. Utility and transportation costs sit 3% to 8% lower than the U.S. median. Pueblo School District 60 provides strong education, while local jobs stay steady at Parkview Medical Center and EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel.
Fun comes easy in Pueblo. After work, stroll the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk or visit the El Pueblo History Museum. Then, end your weekend with a show at Sangre de Cristo Arts Center or dive into chili festivals and local diners. Small-town charm makes Pueblo feel like home.
» Pueblo Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the cheapest cities to live in Colorado.
3. Cañon City
- Median House Rent: $1,276
- Median Home Value: $327,903
- Cost of Living: 9% cheaper than the national average.
Cañon City offers mountain views and affordable living. Besides, the job market is set to grow 38%, and Cañon City District Schools are highly rated. With a tight-knit community and low crime, it’s the perfect place for families.
Your paycheck goes further here. Whether it’s checking out the Royal Gorge Bridge, strolling through Fremont Park or Greenhorn Mountain Park, or joining community events. Why settle for high rent when you can enjoy all the peaceful perks of Cañon City?
» Cañon City Homes for Sale: Find affordable mountain homes in Colorado’s most peaceful city!
3 Most Affordable Places to Live in CO for Young Adults👨🏻💻
1. Grand Junction
- Median House Rent: $1,550
- Median Home Value: $397,983
- Cost of Living: 1% cheaper than the national average.
Grand Junction blends work and play perfectly. With 22.5% lower transportation costs, you can explore Colorado National Monument or hike and mountain bike in Palisade. Outdoor fun like wine tasting, rafting, and backpacking are just a short drive away.
The city offers jobs in tech, healthcare, and the arts, with Capco and J & A Enterprises LLC leading the way. Grand Junction’s proximity to Denver and Salt Lake City is perfect for networking and weekend trips. Affordable living and easy access to nature? Yes, please!
» Grand Junction Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the most affordable towns in Colorado for young adults!
2. Fort Collin
- Median House Rent: $1,900
- Median Home Value: $301,596
- Cost of Living: 5.1% cheaper than the national average.
Want a town that’s alive and buzzing with energy? Fort Collins is the college-town capital! Whether you’re into craft breweries, local art, or soaking in the vibrant nightlife, Old Town and the Poudre River Trail are just waiting to be explored.
Fort Collins’ tech scene is booming, with a projected 15% growth and 2,500 new tech jobs on the way. The city’s healthcare and finance sectors also offer plenty of career opportunities. Whether you’re studying or advancing your career, Fort Collins has it all.
» Fort Collin Homes for Sale: Find your home in one of the cheapest towns to live in Colorado.
3. Brush
- Median House Rent: $700
- Median Home Value: $301,420
- Cost of Living: 12.4% cheaper than the national average.
If you’re looking for a place with small-town charm and a lot of character, Brush is the spot for young adults. The town offers local gems like Brush Rodeo and Chimney Rock Park for outdoor activities. You can also relax at Fruita Reservoir or explore the local brewery scene.
The city’s agricultural economy and proximity to Denver bring plenty of job opportunities. With a projected 53.4% growth in the coming years and home prices 14% lower than the national average, Brush is a great spot for young professionals seeking balance between work and play.
» Brush Homes for Sale: Find your charming, affordable home in one of Colorado’s most peaceful cities for young adults.
4 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado for Retirees 🏖️
1. La Junta
- Median House Rent: $1,150
- Median Home Value: $155,130
- Cost of Living: 27.8% cheaper than the national average.
La Junta is perfect for retirees seeking a relaxed pace and affordable living. With a healthcare index of 94.7, costs stay lower than average. Typical homes cost 52.4% less than the national average. The peaceful vibe and local museums make it ideal for a slower lifestyle.
The tight-knit community and safe environment add to the charm. Visit the La Junta Heritage Museum, stroll through Boggsville Historic Site, or relax at Otero Lake. La Junta offers quiet, scenic retirement without the stress.
» La Junta Homes for Sale: Find your affordable, history-filled home in one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets for retirees!
2. Cortez
- Median House Rent: $1,475
- Median Home Value: $323,056
- Cost of Living: 7.4% cheaper than the national average.
If you love scenic beauty and peace, Cortez is ideal. Retirees can enjoy walks through Cortez City Park or explore Mesa Verde National Park. Quiet spots like McElmo Canyon offer the perfect escape into nature.
Cortez’s calm atmosphere and tight-knit community create a peaceful escape. Health care is a breeze with organizations like Montezuma County Public Health Department, offering quality care for retirees seeking comfort and well-being.
» Cortez Homes for Sale: Find your charming, affordable home in one of the inexpensive places to live in Colorado!
3. Leadville
- Median House Rent: $1,900
- Median Home Value: $483,620
- Cost of Living: 5.3% cheaper than the national average.
Looking for a place where the mountains meet history? Leadville has you covered. Retirees can explore the Leadville Historic District, visit the National Mining Hall of Fame, or enjoy peaceful walks along the Turquoise Lake Trail
St. Vincent Health-Leadville provides excellent healthcare, making it easy to stay healthy in this serene town. The crime rate is 23% lower than the national average, offering extra peace of mind for retirees. Leadville offers affordable, safe, mountain living for your golden years.
» Leadville Homes for Sale: Find a peaceful home in one of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado!
4. Fountain
- Median House Rent: $1,955
- Median Home Value: $394,5583
- Cost of Living: 13% cheaper than the national average.
Retirees will love Fountain for its affordable housing, low food costs, and peaceful surroundings. Explore Pike National Forest, relax at Fountain Creek Regional Park, or enjoy a day at the Fountain Valley Nature Center for peaceful outdoor adventures.
UCHealth Primary Care offers top-notch healthcare in the area, keeping retirees well cared for. Plus, home prices are 24% lower than the state average. Fountain’s small-town charm and proximity to Colorado Springs make it ideal for retirees.
» Fountain Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the most affordable retirement communities in Colorado!
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Colorado?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Colorado under 250K in cities like La Junta, Lamar, and Pueblo. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Colorado cities.
Plus, moving to Colorado comes with added perks like tax benefits, making it an even smarter financial move. Want to save more? Get a mortgage pre-approval. This will help you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Colorado.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Colorado
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in CO.
Find Affordable Homes in Colorado With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest home search websites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and tiny homes for sale in Colorado on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in Colorado’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in CO
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on four parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheapest places to live in the Centennial State:
- Zillow[1]: Median House Price, Rental Price
- Bestplaces.net[2] : Cost of Living
- U.S. Census Bureau[3]: Median Household Income
- World Population Review[4]: Population
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the least expensive place to live in Colorado?
The cheapest place to live in Colorado is Lamar. It has one of the most affordable cost of living which is 28.8% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Find out the other cheapest areas to live in Colorado.
Where is the best place to live in Colorado?
The best place to live in Colorado is Denver, followed by Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Pueblo.
is it expensive to live in Colorado?
No, it is not. The median home value is $544,618. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing in Colorado and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
What are the living expenses in Colorado?
The living expenses in Colorado are 5% higher than the national average. However, healthcare and utilities are cheaper than the national average, 7% and 5% respectively.
